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This Month in Parks - September 2018

this month in parks

Fri., Sept. 7-Sun., Sept. 9: 23rd Annual Japanese Fall Festival

A celebration of Japanese culture in Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, presented by the Springfield Sister Cities Association. Includes Taiko drumming, folk dancing, storytelling, martial arts, cosplay, Japanese top spinning, tea ceremonies, authentic arts and crafts, Japanese gifts and toys and food vendors. Friday and Saturday evenings end with an intimate candlelight walk. Festival opens Fri., 5-10 p.m., continues Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. and Sun.: $7/Adult, $3/12 yrs. and under. Sat.: $10/Adult, $3/12 yrs. and under, and kids 2 yrs. and under are free.

Sun., Sept. 9: Grandparent’s Day at Dickerson Park Zoo

All grandparents receive free admission 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Regular admission is $14/Adults and teens, $9/Children 3-12 yrs. and $11/Seniors 60 yrs. and up.

Tues., Sept. 11: Fall Bike Camp at Springfield Skate Park

Geared for beginner and intermediate BMX riders ages 7-12 yrs. Develop and enhance basic skills while creating new friendships and building confidence. Instruction focuses on control, safety, park etiquette and biking fundamentals. Space is limited, and registration is required. Scholarships may be available. Starts Tues., Sept. 11, and runs Tuesdays for four weeks, 6-8 p.m. $45/rider.

Wed., Sept. 12: Garden Story Time at the Springfield Botanical Garden

Preschoolers and their families can meet us in the Botanical Center for a garden-themed story time, followed by a fun activity. Story time begins at 9 a.m. Admission is free.

Tues., Sept. 18 and Thurs., Sept. 20: SPARC Basketball Registration

Register for a fun six-week intramural basketball program this fall or winter. Kids K-6th grade learn basic basketball skills and positive character traits. Games are played on Saturdays and practices are scheduled by volunteer coaches on weekday evenings, starting the week of Oct. 15 for Session 1. Locations vary. Register online or at registrations events: 4:30-6 p.m. Tues., Sept. 18 at Truman Elementary and Thurs., Sept. 20 at Harrison Elementary. Register by Sept. 30 for Session 1.

Sat., Sept. 15: Recycling RendeZoo at Dickerson Park Zoo

Bring five empty plastic bottles per person or ten bottles per family to receive $2 off Zoo admission between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Before plastic bottle donation price reduction, admission is $14/Adults and teens $9/Children 3-12 yrs. $11/Seniors 60 yrs. and up.

Sept. 15: Bat Flights at Sequiota Park

Learn about Gray Bats, Tri-Colored Bats, and then have potential to observe the twilight flight of Endangered Gray Bats from Sequiota Cave at sunset. Arrive 30 minutes before darkness. Free event for all ages.

Sat., Sept. 15-Sun., Sept. 16: 27th Annual 1860’s Lifestyle Expo at Gray-Campbell Farmstead

Rediscover pioneer life at the oldest house in Springfield. Activities include apple butter making, horseshoes, hearth cooking, fiber arts, crafts, wood carving, seed-spitting contests and more. Event runs Sat., 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun., 12-4:30 p.m. The barn, house, kitchen and Liberty Schoolhouse will be open for tours both days. To participate in an 1860’s costume parade at 12 p.m., register by 11:30 a.m. A Brush Arbor service will be held Sunday at 11 a.m. To participate in the Apple Pie Baking Contest Sunday, 3 p.m., register by 2:15, no crumb-top pies. Concessions will be available the entire weekend. Admission is free.

Wed., Sept. 19: Try Archery Program

Visit the Archery Range at the Davis Property from 6-7 p.m. to learn how to shoot. Under the supervision of a certified instructor, beginners of any age can shoot a limited number of arrows at a target. Equipment is provided. $5/One-hour class.

Fri., Sept.. 21: Garlic Expo at the Greene County MU Extension

Join MU Extension for a fun evening of everything garlic! Taste different varieties, discuss the latest research on its healthful qualities, consider commercial production, learn more from ongoing research trials of planting dates and cultivars for our area. Some varieties are available to purchase. Ages 18 and up, 6-9 p.m., $10.

Fri., Sept. 21: Kids’ Night at Dan Kinney Family Center

Kids, join us for a movie, pizza, crafts, basketball, bouncy castle, games and more while parents get a night out from 5-8:30 p.m. For kids 5-12 yrs. $7/Member, $10/Non-member

Sat., Sept. 22: DK Expo Day at Dan Kinney Family Center

Try a variety of classes and programs offered at Dan Kinney Family Center. Instructors and personal trainers will be on hand to find the class that’s right for you. For all ages, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free event!

Sat., Sept. 22: Buffalo River Hiking Series: Kyle’s Landing to Steel Creek

Hit the trail with us this fall, exploring some of the finest scenery in the upper district of the Buffalo National River. This 7.8-mile hiking trip is moderate-to strenuous in difficulty, so physical fitness is a must. Register by Fri., Sept. 21. Transportation provided, departing at 8 a.m. and returning by 7 p.m. Bring your own lunch, snacks and water. $20/person for ages 15 and up (15-17 with an adult.)

Sat., Sept. 22: Fairy Gardens at the Springfield Botanical Gardens

Using succulent plants, nuts and pods collected from the garden, we will each create a small container garden with a miniature landscape scene to take home. Additional furnishings may be purchased through the Gift Shop. Event runs 1-2 p.m. $20 incudes supplies, for all ages.

Sat., Sept. 22: DogFest at Chesterfield Park

A canine extravaganza! Everyone, including the family dog, is invited for free fun and activities from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy dog agility demonstrations, dog fashion, canine-related vendors and non-profits and a bounce house for kids. All proceeds benefit Cruse Dog Park, Springfield’s first off-leash dog park. Rain date is Sept. 23. Admission is free, $1/bounce house and $10/ t-shirt.

Mon., Sept. 24: Ultimate Frisbee Fall League

8-week recreational co-ed league. Games are Mondays, Sept. 24-Nov. 12, at Meador Sports Complex, beginning at 6:30 p.m. $16/person. Ages 14 and older. Registration now open.

Thurs., Sept. 27: Mommy and Me swim lessons at Doling Indoor Pool

New parents and their little ones receive in-pool instruction together. Six-week sessions for children six months to 3 yrs. teach a variety of pre-swimming. Session 1 begins Thurs., Sept. 27-Nov 1. Class is 10:30-11:15 a.m., $40/Members, $50/Non-members.

Fri., Sept. 28: Kids’ Night at Chesterfield Family Center

Parents enjoy a night out while kids have supervised fun with friends, with swimming, a movie and pizza from 6-9:30 p.m. For kids 5-11 yrs. $10/Member, $15/Non-member.

Fri., Sept. 28: Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch opens at Rutledge Wilson Farm Park

Corn has never been so ear-resistible! Beginning Sept. 28, you can get lost in our corn maze (may take an hour) or pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Open Sept. 28-Oct. 28 on Fri., 6:30-10 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sun., Noon-6 p.m. Pumpkin prices based on weight. Admission for the Corn Maze $3/adults, $2/kids 5-11 yrs., kids 4 and under free.

Sat., Sept. 29: Harvest Fest opens at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park

Five weekends of fall-themed fun at the farm. Meander through the corn maze, take a hayride, pick your own pumpkin, ride the Cow Train or Grain Train, try your luck at carnival games, bounce on inflatables and much more as you enjoy this Midwest fall tradition! Harvest Fest runs Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., Noon-6 p.m., Sept. 29-Oct. 28. Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch also open Fri and Sat. nights. Free admission to the festival, most activities have a fee.

Sat., Sept. 29: Monarch Tagging at the Springfield Botanical Gardens

Learn about Monarch Watch, a Monarch butterfly migration study conducted through the University of Kansas. Meet outside the Butterfly House for a demonstration, then help tag butterflies. Learn more at monarchwatch.org. Event runs 2-4 p.m. Admission is free.